2012 – Buckle Your Shoe

Perhaps the most important word in the coming year will be adjustment. To access the opportunities ahead, you need a fresh perspective to issues and circumstances. Some of the areas you will need to adjust include, spending and consumption, mindset, relationships, habits etc.

Taking finance as a reference point; the following includes increased cost you will incure:

· Toll gate fees

· Taxes

· Speculated fuel subsidy removal

· Higher PHCN tariffs

· Transportation cost

· Generator fueling cost

· Higher prices for goods and services

For salary earners, this does not sound good. Many people will not be able to get a pay rise except they change jobs. The business men can transfer some of the cost to consumers albeit at the risk of reduced business.

Last week my dry-cleaner tried to warn me ahead that he will increase his charges come 2012. I have since adjusted mentally. I now know I will do more laundry myself than outsource. My wife is already contemplating buying a washing machine to assist with that.

Yet this will not let me lose sleep. Neither should you. In 2012, I am going to acquire knowledge like never before. In similar manner, I am going to implement the ideas that drop into my heart with military discipline. Ultimately, I am going to add unprecedented value to all stakeholders. The leader in me will rise up and take charge.

Greatness is birthed in harsh conditions. I foresee unprecedented results come 2012. See you there!

EARLY GOAL!

EARLY GOAL!
“According to statistical research conducted on the National Football League (NFL), what percentage of teams who score first win the game? My guess was 50%. We’ve all read about quarterbacks who have led their teams from behind to win the game. We’ve heard sportscasters discuss how many points are scored in the last two minutes of the half or at the end of the game.
So, I thought about 50% was accurate. Wrong! The statistics claim that 75% of the time a team scores first, they win the game! (No, of course I can’t verify this. I heard it while driving to Zig’s office one morning. But, the guys at ESPN Radio wouldn’t lie to me…) I’m thinking, if teams score early in the game, like say in the first quarter, then they are more likely to achieve their objectives”. zig ziglar newsletter

One way to fast track your progress this season is to score an early goal. Achieve some results in the first quarter. Set some “easy” goals that assist you in accomplishing your long term goals and achieve them. Success breeds success. Nothing succeeds like success. It is important in 2009 that you set the momentum to drive success in the major areas of your life. I am sure you have set goals for the year but I insist that you accomplish something meaningful or significant to you in the first quarter.

This will keep you motivated to pursue other lined up endeavors. For instance, you may have an academic goal i.e. a desire to commence a postgraduate programe this year. Get down to action. Visit or call the school directly. Talk to the head of department and make concrete findings. Don’t secure information from people who are not stake holders. Ask for a brochure or pick the form if it is available. Buy relevant text books etc. what I am emphasizing is the need to commit yourself to the cause such that retreat will be impossible.

An idea not coupled with action will never get any bigger than the brain cell it occupied. ~Arnold H. Glasgow

Another step you need to take is to check your BEHAVIOR against your GOALS. What a great way to give yourself a “check-up from the neck up!” Each and every day, check your behavior against the goals you have set. If your behavior is not contributing to your succeeding in reaching your goals, then you need to adjust your behavior. You don’t adjust the goal, you adjust your behavior. If you are spending too long at lunch, then adjust that behavior.

I will like to round up by saying that if you courageously pursue your dreams, the best of your 2008 will be the worst of your 2009!!!

Oluyemi Adeosun